Apparatus for the use of shaped explosive charges



Feb. 2, 1954 J. H. CHURCH ET AL 2,667,36

APPARATUS FOR THE USE OF SHAPED EXPLOSIVE CHARGES Filed March 28, 1950 2Sheets-Sheet 1 V/BRA i) FILTER /c'1g ma LTU.E 1EP11 H. Church Ereqcmy lKESEETLiEh J. H, CHURCH ETAL Feb. 2, 1954;

APPARATUS FOR THE USE OF SHAPED EXPLOSIVE CHARGES Filed March 28, 1950 2sheets sheet 2 grwmow 234-56' 78e/0l//2 STANDOFF- UNITS 0F LINEARMEASURE LTIJ.5E 1'1 H. Church Ersqnry 'LLKEuEILSEUZiCh Patented Feb. 2,1954 APPARATUS FOR THE USE SHAPED EXPLOSIVE CHARGES Joseph H. Church,Austin, mum, and Gregory J. Kessenich, Madison, Wis.

Application March 28, 1950, Serial No. 152,438

(Granted under Title 35, U. S. Code (1952),

see. 266) 12 Claims.

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by theGovernment for governmental purposes without payment of any royaltythereon.

This invention pertains to the use of explosive charges of the typefrequently referred to as lined hollow or shaped charges, and moreparticularly to methods and apparatus for employing one or more suchshaped charges in a manner so as to utilize the optimum directed forcereleased thereby when detonated, against a target which may be submergedin either a gaseous and/or liquid fluid medium, for the purpose ofproducing a number of holes of desired geometrical configuration in thetarget corresponding to the number and arrangement of the charges.

A principal object of our invention is to provide apparatus forchambering a lined shaped charge which may be utilized to position thechambered charge with respect to a target located remotely relative to astation for controlling the apparatus at a standofi distance to effectoptimum penetration of the target by the jet formed through detonationof the charge and in a manner to permit the charge to functionindependently of the char cteristics of the fluid medium in which thetarget may be located.

Another object of our invention is to provide a system for initiatingdetonation of a lined shaped charge which may, if desired, be controlledthrough suitable radio circuits.

With the above, and other objects which will be heremafter made apparentfrom a description of the invention with reference to theaccompanydrawings, in which:

Fig. l is a broken longitudinal sectional view hrough one form ofcarrier apparatus of this invention showing several different forms oflined shaped charges chambered therein, each of \Vl'liC-ll o and typicalin the art;

suitable for use to control detonation of the shaped charges chamberedin the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 from a station remote from theapparatus;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a radio receiver suitable for installationin the apparatus of l and responsive to signals from the transmittershown in Fig. 2 to initiate detonation charges chambered in the carrierapparatus;

Fi 2 is a clock diagram of a radio transmitter Fig. 4 a fragmentarylongitudinal sectional View through carrier apparatus similar to theview of Fig. 1, but showing the uppermost shaped charge only, and thestandoff piston in standoff position;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing a modified form of standoffpiston with the piston in retracted position relative to the carrier.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing another modified form ofstandoif piston;

Fig. '7 is a perspective view of a form of stand-- off pistonparticularly adapted for use with linear type shaped charges of the typeillustrated the lowermost charge shown in Fig. 1 as chbered in a carrierapparatus of our invent n;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Figs. 4, 5 and 5 illustrating modified meansfor operating the standofi piston;

Fig. 9 shows a method of mounting a standoff piston of this inventiondirectly upon a clr chambered in the carrier apparatus chambelmg thecharge;

Fig. 10 is a partial sectional view illustra one method of chambering alined shaped char e in a carrier apparatus so as to be projectable fromthe carrier apparatus to engage a target at optimum standoff distance;

Fig. 11 is a partial longitudinal sectional view through a carrierapparatus illustrating a modifled form of standoff piston actuatingmechanism;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken upon the line l2l2 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a representative form of curve showing penetration of targetmaterial, plotted. in ordinate units, as a function of standoff plottedin similar units in abscissa in a standoff medium of air.

Our present invention is not directed to improvement of lined shapedcharges as such, but rather to the most efiective use of any one of theforms of lined shaped charges which are well known in the art and thathave long since entered the public domain, in and against targets thatmay be submerged in a gaseous and/or liquid fluid rendering theminaccessible, or relatively so. for manual placement of such charges.

For the purpose of disclosing our invention we have shown in Fig. 1three typical forms of lined shaped charges as illustrated by the linedconical shaped charge indicated at ill, the lined hemispherical shapedcharge indicated at 20, and the lined linear shaped charge indicated at30, each fuzed by an electric detonator ll, 21 and 31, respectively.Although we have only shown three forms of lined shaped charges toobviate unnecessary disclosure of many forms of such shapes which areold in the art, we actually contemplate, under any given conditionswhere one shape form may be preferable to another, to use any of theshape forms shown in any or all of the following representativepublications as well as others which are not here cited:

(1) Max von Foerster: Versuche mit compri mirter 'Schiessbaunwolle,Berlin, 1883, Mittler 8; Sohn, published in Van Nostrands EngineeringMagazine, vol. 31, July-December 1884, pps. 113- 119 as translated byLieut. John P. Wisser, U. S. Army, under the title Experiments withCompressed Gun Cotton.

(2) Gustav Bloem: United States Patent 342,-

423, filed January 20, 1886, and issued on May 25, a

(3) Charles E. Munroe: On Certain Phenomema Produced by the Detonationof Gun Cotton. Newport Natural History Society. Proceedings 1883-88,Report No. 6.

(4) Charles E. Munroe: The Application of Explosives. Popular ScienceMonthly, 1900, vol. 56, pps. 444-455.

(5) Egon Neumann: Neuartige I-Iohlktirper aus BrisanzstofienZeitschrrift fiir das gesamte Schliessund Sprengstofi'wesen. May 15,1914, vol. 9, pps. 183-187.

(6) Charles P. Watson: United States Patents 1,534,011 and 1,534,012,filed September 22, 1921, and August 27, 1923, respectively, and bothissued on April. 14, 1925.

(7) M. Sucharewsky: Article appearing in the Russian Journal, Techniciai Snobschenie krasnoi Armii, 1925; 170, pps. 13-18 and 177, pps. 13-18.

(8) M. Sucharewsky: Article appearing in the Russian Journal, Woina iTechnicia, 1926; 253 pps. 18-24.

(9) Leslie E. Simon: German Research in World War II, published by JohnWiley .8; Sons, Inc., 1947, pps. 118-120.

(10) Leslie E. Simon: German Scientific Es tablishments PB Report 19849,published by Mapleton House. January 1947, line 2, p. 68.

(11) D. Lodati: Una Spiegazione del Comportomento esplosivo di blocchicavi di tritolo compresso. Giornale d1 Cheniica Industriale ed.Applicata (1932), vol. XIV, No. 3, pps. 130-132.

As understood by those skilled in this art all shape forms shown ordescribed in the above cited publications are for the purpose which isquite aptly stated by Bloem (cited as (2) above) Where in lines 38 to 40of his patent he recites-By these constructions the concentration of theeffect of the explosion in an axial direction of the exploder isincreased.

The various forms of shapes disclosed in the above cited publicationsmay be lined with suitable liners to take advantage of the relativelygreater target penetrating ability of the jet of liner material formedby collapse of the liner through detonation of the lined shaped chargeas compared to the jet formed by the products of detonation of theunlined shaped charge; such as, the advantage inherent in the linedshaped charge of Fig. 6 of Bloem (cited as (2) above), and as wasrecognized by Dr. Allerton S. Cushman in the last paragraph of page 2 ofhis ailidavit and Colonel George Montgomery in the paragraph entitledResults occurring on page 4 of his ai'fidavit, both of which were filedon August 29, 1923, and form part of the record of the application. forpatent which eventuated into reference Patent 1,534,012 cited as (6)above, also as pointed out by R. W. Wood (see especially penultimateparagraph of p. 251 of a paper by R. W. Wood entitled Optical andPhysical Effects of High Explosives published in Proceedings RoyalSociety, A vol. 157, pp. 249-253 (1936)), and recently hypothesized asto jet formation from liner (special case of the conical liner) collapseof the theory of hydrodynamics; see the article, Explosives with LinedCavities by Birkhofi,'MacDougall, Pugh and Taylor published in theJournal of Applied Physics, vol. 19, No. 6, pp. 553-582, June 1948.

The liner material may be either metallic or non-metallic, some of thematerials that have been found suitable as liner material both in thiscountry and abroad are mentioned in the following publications forconvenience of illustra- Aluminum or like material. Copper or Aluminum.

German Patent 419,514, Oct. 9, 1925..

William Payman and D. W. Woodhead: Explosion W avcs and Shock Waves,Part II, The Shock Wave and Explosion Products Sent Out by BlastingDctonators, Published in Proc. Roy. Soc. AVol. 148 pp. 604-622 (1935).

Chas. P. Watson (cited as (6) above) Leslie E. Simon (cited as (9)above) Any material of sufficient strength.

Germans considered steel,

smtcred iron, copper, aluminum and zinc for World War II.

Copper, brass,

steel, aluminum, or a nonfcrrous metal backed by steel. Pressed sheetmetal.

U. S. Patent 2,416,814, filed Nov. 15,

cadmium, 1043, and issued Feb. 18, 1947.

U. S. Patent 2,441,338, filed Aug. 19,

1942, issued May 11, 1948.

U. S. Patent 2,419,414, filed Oct. 3, 1941, and issued April 22, 1947.British Patent 577,531, accepted 1946 British Patuct 578,771, accepted1946-- British Patent 578,995, accepted l946.

Various materials but preferably mild carbon steel.

Steel or other metal.

Metal, synthetic resin or other material.

Mild steel.

From the data disclosed in the publications hereinabove cited it isquite apparent to anyone skilled in the art that optimum penetrationperformance of a particularly dimensioned and constituted lined shapedcharge as functions of such parameters as shape of the charge cavity,angle 01 the apex of a conical or similar liner, if such specific formof liner is employed in the particular charge, specific material fromwhich the liner is made, thickness of the liner material, specificexplosive employed, volumetric and linear ratios of explosive asproportioned to corresponding ratios of the charge cavity, system ofdetonation and standoff will change with changes in certain changes inthe parameters. It is quite obvious that selection of optimum parametersfor optimum penetration performance in a specifically dimensioned andconstituted charge will be by empirical methods. using the accumulationof data in the referenced publications as a guide which because of thecomprehensiveness thereof greatly simplifies the empiric processesnecessary in selecting the optimum parameters in a given case. In thebook entitled Elements of Ammunition published by John Wiley 8; Sons,Inc., copyrighted 194.6, Major J. C. Ohart has on page 43 recapitulatedoptimum values of certain of Considering the charges It, 20, and 30 tobe designed in accordance with the. conditions at hand, including theconditions of limitation upon spacing of the charge carrier 40 from thetarget T and with optimum parameters in accordance with the teachings ofthe cited publications, including the standoff parameter S shown in Fig.1, within the internal dimensional limitation of the charge carrier asreferred to, we chamber the charges in chamber 43 by mounting thecharges within sleeves 46 having an internal configuration substantiallyconforming to the external configuration of the charge cases by means offlanges 47 which are fastened to the external cases of the charges andto the inner ends of the sleeves in any conventional'manner that willassure fluid tight seals and center the charges within the sleeves. Thesleeves 46 are formed with integral flanges 48 upon the outer endportions thereof which may conveniently be used as a method of securingthe sleeves within openings formed in the walls of the charge carrier 40in fluid sealed relation in the manner illustrated in Fig. l. Thesleeves 46 are of sufficient length and the charges are so mountedtherein by the flanges 4'! so that when the sleeves with the chargestherein are secured to the charge carrier #6 optimum standofi S may berealized under all or no limitations imposed upon spacing the chargecarrier from the target in a terfere with formation of the jet bycollapse of the liners or products of detonation of unlined charges,upon detonation thereof we provide what we term standoif pistons, oneform of which is shown at H3 in Fig. l. The standoff piston 75 is formedwith an outer surface which conforms to the charge carrier contour andis made of a material of suiiicient strength to su port any pressures towhich the charge carrier may be subjected externally. The piston isreciprocably mounted within the sleeve 46 through the piston skirt Hwhich may be provided with an appropriate coating of appropriate greaseso as to form a fluid seal between the external surface thereof and thecoasting internal surface of sleeve 45. As indicated at 12 in Fig. lstandoff piston it may be retained in the retracted position shown by adetent releasable upon application of predetermined pressure internallyof the piston which will permit outward movement of the piston. undersuch pressure. If there are no restrictions upon outward movement of thestandoff piston detent '12 may be used to engage a suitable stop on thepiston skirt to terminate further outward movement thereof underinternal pressure when the iston has been outwardly projected by adistance indicated at S. Upon the other hand as shown in Fig. 4 ifstandoff piston iii can be outwardly projected only a limited amountbecause of confinement of the charge carrier by the target the detent'12 can be arranged to engage the inner end of piston skirt ii in theoutwardly projected position of the piston and retain the piston inengagement of the target to maintain standoff distance S until chargeit) is detonated.

Standofi piston "iii is projected outwardly under fluid pressure fromcompartment 565 by means of conduits diagrammatically shown at Ti -3 inFig. 1 provided with one-way valves M so as to retain pressure appliedto the piston. Y

The conduits '53 enter the fluid pressure chamber formed by the interiorof the piston Hi, sleeve 48, flange 4'! and that portion of the chargewithin the sleeve 46, by means of sections thereof which pass throughflange 47. A fluid seal is established around the conduits E3, the endof piston skirt H and flange 41 by means of a conventionalmechanical-grease packing 16 as in high pressure devices such as used inrecoil and recuperator packings in the artillery art.

Standofi piston E! shown in Fig. l as used with the hemispherical linedcharge 29 is a slightly modified form of standoif piston is in that theskirt i8 is fixed to sleeve 45 while the piston proper is of reducedsize and carried by a bellows '19 secured to the piston skirt and pistonin fluid sealed relation. This arrangement will facilitate obtaining afluid seal between the piston skirt and sleeve.

The standofi piston as used with the linear charge 363 is similar in allessential respects to standoff piston 19 except that it is ofrectangular shape to fit and cooperate with the rectangularconfiguration of sleeve #5 when used with a linear charge.

Although we have disclosed. separate pairs of conduits 23 extending fromfluid chamber 44 to each charge we have only done so for purposes ofconduits leading to the individual charge fluid pressure chambers wouldbe provided with oneway valves actuable to admit fluid pressure to thecharge fluid pressure chambers only.

We contemplate the use of chamber 54 in the charge carrier at forstorage of any fluid under high pressure in either gaseous or condensedform or in using the chamber as a chamber in which fluids may begenerated under high pressures by chemical processes, such as byreaction of appropriate chemical agents which are caused to react at theproper time, or by burning a gas generating cartridge. As illustrated wehave shown a gas generating cartridge 8!, which may be of the generaltype shown in United States Patent 2,229,298 designed for application incases such as this, located in chamber 46 and adapted to be ignited bythe igniter 82 through power supply (it when the circuit from the powersupply through the igniter is closed by the control receiver 56 as moreparticularly hereinafter pointed out. In the case where chamber id ischarged with a compressed or condensed fluid, igniter 82 may be used toopen a valve or initiate the vaporizing process so as to admit the fluidto conduits 13. Where two chemicals are to react to generate thepressure the igniter or detonator 82 may be utilized to rupture adiaphragm in chamber 54 which separates the chemical agents until thereaction is desired.

Upon occurrence of any of the events initiated to generate pressure inor release fluids under pressure from chamber M by energizing element 82the pressurized fluids resulting will be admitted by conduits '53 intothe charge fluid pressure chambers thereby forcing the standoff pistonsoutwardly to engage target T and fix standoff distance S at the optimumfor which the charge was designed to perform with maximum average targetpenetration.

We have shown charges it), Eli and 353 all facing in the same direction,however, for a target having an arcuate or circular cross-section whichis accuse to beattacked fromthe concave side it may be found expedienttostagger or space the charges circumferentially of the charge carrier.The charge carrier may be of any desired length for chamberingany'number of charges it, '25 or Diametrically opposed to the chargesill, 29 and 30 hand opening cover plates 43' cover hand holes throughwhich access to the interior of chamber 43 in the vicinity of thecharges may beobtained by removing the cover plates. Thesecover'plate's'and hand holes may be sodim 1 sioned that the sleeve 46can be interchanged with the cover plate 48.

Figs. 5, 6, '7 and 8 show modifications oi the standoii piston which wehave shown at i l in Figs. 1 and 4. In the modification of Fig. 5 wehave provided the standoff piston with an outwardly projecting boss iiiof circular cross section and suihcient internal diameter to avciinterference with jet formation. Sleeve dd is formed with a radiallyinward extending flange S2 which'engages the boss 91 in fluid sealedsliding relation to prevent fluids under pressure external to chargecarrier is from entering the space inwardly of flange greaterdifferential pressure between the inner and "outer surfaces of piston 85is facilitated because of the reduced piston area subject to externalpressure. Flange 52 also serves as a stop for the piston when it hasbeen forced out- 1 I wardly to establish the proper standoff distance S.The piston may be secured in its standoff position by a detent such asthe detent 52 shown in Fig. 1.

The modification shown in Fig. 6 is similar in substantially an aspectsto the modification shown in Fig. 5 except that the boss Q3 is joined tothe standofi piston skirt 56 by a trumpet shaped wall 95 in order toprovide greater space for formation of the jet which under certainconditions of design'of' charge wil be desirable.

Fig. "7-is aperspective of a piston similar to the form shown in Fig. -5for a linear'cha'rge of the type shown at 3B.

As shown in Fig. :8 the standoff piston 96 is very similar to thepiston-9!! of Fig. 5 with the addition of a sleeve 91 integrally orotherwise secured thereto in a fluid sealed relation. Agas generatingcartridge '93 similar in performance characteristics to cartridge 8! isfixedto flange ll' and ignitable by the igniter 9 in thesarne manneran'dthrough the same control as that employed :for igniter 82 of Fig. v1.Ignitionof cartridge 98 generates gas which drives the standoff pistonas outwardly to standoff position where itmay be retained by a detentsuch as the detent 12 shown in Fig. l. A'suitable fuse Hie ignitable bythe cartridge 98 will in turn, and after a time delay sufiicient forcartridge 98 to generate sufficient fluid pressure to drive piston 95to-standoff position, detonate charge H32 so that formation of the jetwill be subsequent to and after piston 96 has moved to standoif positionwhere it cannot adversely affect jet formation.

In the modification-disclosed in Fig. 9 the standoff piston 182 ismounted directly upon charge 13 and normally held in retracted positionby springs 1'94 interposed between abutments I 05 upon the charge caseand piston. The charge )3 is secured to sleeve 55 through'theinterthreaded relation between the sleeve and base H16 of thecharge. Afluid sealed relation isestablis-hed between the piston and sleeve in'any conventional manner. In the case of charge l 03 the conical .liner-1 0.1 is truncated and loosely receives By this construction -i an endportion-of the small tubular element 198 which has the base end securedto charge base in any manner that will leave a gap between the base endthereof and the inside surface of Hit. A generating cart W8 .is suitablyaffixed within standoff on It? and ignitable by an electrical igniterlid through the leads iii which pass throug suitable passages in thecharge-case as shown. Ignition of the gas cartridge H39 rill also ignitefuse H2 which after a predetermined time delay will detonate the charge.Mov t ofstandoif piston m2 and detonation ofthe char e will be in thesame time relation as that explained in connection with the modificationof Fig. 8. As in the .othermo'diflcations shown thepiston Hi2 may beheld in position by means such as the detent 2 shown in Fig. 1. Ifpreferred the annular chamber between the sleeve and charge case andextending from abutment ice on the piston to we of the charge may beused as the fluid pressure chamber in which case gas gen-- eratingcartridge we would be located in this chamber and fuse -l I2 extendedfrom the base of the charge to the igniter in this chamber for cartridgelit.

As shown in Fig. 10 thecharge l is provided with a-cap H6 of suchdimensions that when it engages the target T the standoif distance forthe charge will be optimum. Provision is made for slidably mountingthe-charge is sleeve 46 in fluid sealed relation by the ringlll onthecap lit and ring 6 ill mounted on the chargecase. The charge may hereleasably retained in the sleeve it chamberedin charge carrier 48 byany suitable detent, such as the detent 72 of Fig. 1. The charge maybeprojected outwardly through admission. of fluid-under pressure byconduits '13 into the fluid pressure chamber I [9 formed by the base endof thecharge, ring i8 and plate I20 secured to the inner end'of sleeve65 in fluid sealed relation. Control of pressure is by the same means asthose heretofore described for Figs. 1, .4, 5 and 6. The detentmay alsofunction to limit outwardprojection of the charge in those cases wherethis safeguardis necessary.

Figs. 11 and 12 show modified forms of actuating the standoff pistonswhich can be of the form-of standoff pistonfiii. In-this form of theinvention the standoff pistons 9E3 are each provided with one or morearms 20 projecting through suitable apertures therefor in the plate EEisecuredto the-innerendof sleevefi and as shown bell cranks 122 are alsomounted .upon plate -.l2l' ith the lower arms of eachthereof operablyconnected to a corresponding arm 1 25]. One or morelongitudinally"disposed rods are reciprocably mounted in chamber ll-3andoperablyconnected to'the cooperating arms of bell cranks L22, as-.indicated, in such manner that downward movement of the rods from thenormal upper positionthereof will through hell cranks l22force standoifpistons so to standofiposition. A cylinder bearing member i24- isaffixed-within chamber t3 and provided-with a piston 125 which alsoattached in any convenient manner to rods $23. Asshown the rods when intheir normal upper position, in which they are biased by springs12$,position the piston within the-cylinder' of member i2 5 in the upperportion of the cylinder. A gas generating cartridge l2? similar tocartridge 8! is positioned in the cylinder above the-piston and ignitedby an igniter I28 under :a control system and in a mannersimi-lar to theignition control utilized and fully explained in connection withcartridge 8|. When piston I25 has been driven to its lowermost positionby generation of fluid under pressure by cartridge IZ'I to forcestandoff pistons 90 outward from the charge carrier 69 to standoffposition it may be retained in this lowermost position by theretractable detent I29 engaging a collar I30 fixed on rod I23.

When we use the radio receiver 50 as a control we then use a modulatedradio frequency transmitter I3I comprising a radio frequency oscillator532, a modulator I33 and a selective audio frequency oscillator I34actuating the modulator I33. The oscillator I34 is arranged so that anyparticular audio frequency may be selected or any particular sequence ofaudio frequencies may be selected at will to cause the modulator I33 tomodulate the carrier frequency oscillator. For the purpose ofillustration, there is shown a well known radiation system of a dipoleantenna I32a and parabolic reflector I321). It being understood that anytype of radiation system may be employed depending upon the mediathrough which the carrier must pass and the choice radio frequencynecessitated thereby. The modulated carrier containing a single or amultiple of audio frequencies excites the antenna of the receiver 5awhich feeds the detector I35, the output of which is amplified by theamplifier I36 having a reed vibrator unit I37 in its output circuit. Theamplified audio frequency components of the carrier cause the vibratorunit reeds, not shown, having the same period as that of the abovementioned audio frequency components to vibrate and close the circuitsof the relays I38, I39, Hit and MI as desired. The relays are energizedby a battery I3Ia of the power supply 68. When the relay or relays areactuated by the reed vibrator in accordance with selected audiofrequencies, the contacts of the relays close a circuit or circuits, asshown in Fig. 3, comprising a battery I II, contained in the powersupply Bll for the detector and audio amplifier, in series with theparalleled 'igniters or detonators 82, II, 2I and 3i of the gasgenerating cartridge and shaped charges, respectively, to fire saidignitors or detonators individually, simultaneously or in apredetermined sequence.

The method of employing our apparatus will be apparent to those skilledin the art from the above description and hence requires no detaileddescription but certain observations should be noted to fully appreciatethe advantages inherent in our invention as follows:

1. It is to be noted that the elements or barriers or standoff pistonsIII, 86, 90 etc., cap H6 of Fig. 10, expandible, extensible ordistensible member 'I'I' of Fig. 1 and any similar devices within thescope of the appended claims are all designed for any particular chargeto accomplish, when projected or extended to operable position relativeto the charge carrier, spacing of the charge at optimum standoifdistance S from the target for most effective use of the charge. Inaddition to accomplishing standofi spacing S these elements, sometimescollectively referred to as means in the claims, also form a gaseousspace of substantially uniform density in which the jet may form andpass to impinge upon the target thereby practically providing the idealmedia for jet action independently of the media in which the target maybe located. This provision of the invention makes it possible to attainresults comparable to static test results in atmosphere. v

' The pistons, barriers or similar elements will be made of any suitablematerial adapted to withstand the pressures which will be encounteredand may be either metallic or non-metallic as after use, replacementwill be necessary for subsequent use of the charge carrier. A particularadvantage in this arrangement exists in the fact that the jet wil1impinge upon the portion of the piston, cap or similar element whichbears upon the target thus forming any objec tionable burring upon theportion of the piston or similar element impinged by the jet andnot onthe target proper.

These elements if desired, may be made of frangible material such asglass or plastic so that after being projected and upon withdrawal ofthe charge carrier from the target area, they may be broken by anyobstacle encountered in removing the charge carrier thus obviating anydanger of blocking withdrawal of the charge carrier from the targetarea.

2. That the standoff attained by this invention is applicable to eitherlined or unlined shaped charges which are herein generically referred tosimply as shaped charges, linear or otherwise.

3. That where the charge carrier is provided with opposed standoffpistons that such pistons may in the case of a target relatively closelysurrounding or partially surrounding the charge carrier be used toperform a third function of en gaging the target and relatively fixingthe charge carrier with respect thereto. Obviously the charges used inthis case would be designed to have optimum standofis to fit thecircumstances. On the other hand if the charge carrier was provided withstandoff pistons all facing in the same direction and used against aconfining target of this type the standoff pistons could relativelysecure the carrier to the target by directly engaging the target andforcing the charge carrier to engage the opposed surface of the target.In this latter case the charges would or could be designed to employ agreater standoff thus permitting use of larger charges.

In either of the above cases the surfaces of the standoff pistons orequivalent elements engageable with the target can be serrated to effecta more secure engagement with the target.

4. That the illustrated methods of actuating the standoff pistons willsuggest numerous other systems, fiuid pressure, mechanical and electro-.mechanical all of which employ conventional equipment that are withinthe purview of this invention.

5. That the interference record in Interference No. 52,570 decided bythe Examiner of Interferences January 13, 1928, and affirmed on appealMarch 11, 1929, which involved Patent No. 1,534,011 reference (6) aboveshould be carefully considered with respect to shaped hollow chargeswith respect to charge performance and design noting particular theeffect of the shape dcharge and effects produced thereby in exhibit PPof this interference.

For convenience in handling the charge carrier a handling cable I56 isattached thereto as shown in Fig. 1 which may be controlled by anyconventional mechanism for such purpose from the control station usedfor controlling opera-' tion of the apparatus.

For those interested in the use of liquid explosives particularly suitedfor use with lined shaped charges we make reference to canceled Fig. 15and the canceled description appertaining thereto as found in the filewrapper of U. S.

ass sts l ttered 2,402,552 to N'evil Monroe napkins, "as

central axis along which the jet is propogated by detonation of thecharge. In the case of charges l and 26, this axis is coincident withthe axis of symmetry of the charge, while in the case of charge as, theaxis is in the plane of Figure 1 perpendicular to the end surface ofpiston 89 and midway between the ends of the cavity.

Having now described our invention in present preferred forms, we claim:

1. A charge carrier adapted for use in a fluid medium comprising incombination, a tubular member forming a charge carrying compartment, asleeve flxed with member and opening through an aperture in the wallthereof, means for mounting a shaped explosive charge within the sleevein fluid tight relation thereto, a standoff piston slidably mounted inthe sleeve in fluid tight relation therewith to a position outwardly ofsaid member to form a pressure chamber with said mounting means, wherebyfluids under pressure in said fluid pressure chamber may move the pistonoutwardly from the charge, and means carried by said tubular member forsupplying fluids under pressure to said chamber.

2. A charge carrier adapted for use in a fluid medium comprising incombination, a tubular member providing a charge carrying compartment, asleeve extending into the charge carrying compartment in fluid sealedrelation to the tubular member, means for mounting a shaped charge inthe sleeve in fluid sealed relation thereto and in a position wherebythe directed force efiect thereof upon detonation will be outwardly ofthe sleeve, a flange integral with the outer end of the sleeve in fluidsealed relation and extendinginwardly toward the axis of the sleeve toprovide an opening of desired configuration, a standoff piston mountedin the sleeve between said flange and a charge mounted aioresaid influid sealed relation to the sleeve and coacting with the charge to forma fluid pressure chamber, said piston being formed with a boss ofsubstantially the same configuration as said flange opening, said bossmoving through said opening upon outward movement of the piston, meansforming a fluid seal between the boss and opening, and means forsupplying fluid under pressure to said fluid pressure chamber.

3. A charge carrier adapted for use in a fluid medium comprising incombination, a tubular member sealed at both ends to provide a chargecarrying compartment, a sleeve extending into the charge carryingcompartment in fluid sealed relation to the tubular member, means formounting a shaped charge in the sleeve in fluid sealed relation theretoand in a position whereby the directed force effect thereof upondetonation will be outwardly of the sleeve, an element provided with anextensible portion secured in the sleeve in fluid sealed relation to thesleeve outwardly of the charge mounted aforesaid to prevent fluidsexternal to the tubular member from gaining access to a mounted charge,and means operable to extend said extensible portion to provide agaseous passage from the sleeve to the target for the jet formed upondetonation of the charge.

4. A charge carrier comprising in combination a tubular -member havingboth ends thereof closed in fluid sealed relation to provide a chargecarrying chamber, a sleeve extending into'said chamber secured to thetubular member in fluid sealed relation, means for mounting a shapedcharge in said sleeve in a position whereby the directed force effectthereof upon detonation of the charge will be outwardly of the sleeve, astandoiT piston movably mounted in the sleeve in fluid sealed relationthereto outwardly of a charge mounted aforesaid and forming a barrier topassage of fluids externally of the tubular member to the charge, alinkage connected to the piston biased to hold the piston in normallyretracted position relative to the tubular member, and means foractuating the linkage to project the piston outwardly relative to thesleeve.

5. A shaped charge unit comprising a trainee shaped explosive chargecarried by said frame, said frame being adapted to be positioned adjacent a target with the cavity of said charge facing the same, abutmentmeans forming with said charge a gas-tight chamber and including a partmovably mounted on said frame from a first position within the confinesthereof, to a second position with one end externally of said frameforwardly of and adjacent said charge to contact the target and spacethe charge a predetermined stand-off distance therefrom and provide a,gas-filled path between charge and target, remotely controlled meansoperable to positively move said abutment means from first to secondposition and means to hold said abutment means in second position whenmoved thereto.

6. In a shaped charge unit, a casing adapted to be positioned adjacentthe surface of a target, a shaped explosive charge fixed within saidcasing in position to face the target, abutment means associated withsaid casing and movable relatively thereto from a retracted position toan extended position forwardly of said charge, and remotely controlledpower means operable to positively move said abutment means into and tohold the same in extended position, said abutment means when in extendedposition engaging the target and spacing said charge a predeterminedstand-ofi distance therefrom.

'7. In a shaped charge explosive unit, a casing having an aperture inits wall, a shaped explosive charge mounted in said casing with itscavity facing said aperture, abutment means within said casing movablethrough said opening and formmg with said charge an expansible gas-tightchamber, and means carried within said casing for introducing a gasunder pressure into said chamber to project said abutment into contactwith the target.

8. In a shaped charge explosive unit, a casing having an aperture in thewall thereof, a shaped explosive charge mounted in said casing with itscavity facing and directed into said opening, means fitting said openingand forming with the cavity end of said charge a sealed expansiblechamber, said means including an abutment extendable from said casing inresponse to pressure within said chamber to contact the target spacesaid charge therefrom and provide a gaseous path only between charge andtarget, a seccond sealed chamber in said casing, a conduit connectinsaid chambers, and means in said second chamber to effect increasedpressure therein.

9. A shaped charge explosive unit as recited in claim 8, said last namedmeans comprising a sec- '0nd explosive charge, and remotelycontrolledmeans for second explosive charge. s

10. A shaped charge unit as recited in claim 8. said last-named meanscomprising a'second explosive charge, and remotely controlled meansoperable to initiate said second explosive charge and said shapedexplosive charge in sequence in the order mentioned.

11. In a shaped charge explosive unit, a casing adapted to be positionedadjacent a target with an aperture in the wall thereof facing thetarget, a shaped explosive charge fixed in said casing with its cavityfacing and directed toward said aperture, a piston slidably mounted insaid aperture in fluid-tight relation therewith and forming with thecavity end of said charge, an expansible pressure-tight chamber, meansfor pressurizing said chamber to move said piston into engagement withthe target and to initiate said charge, in timed sequence.

12. In a shaped charge explosive unit, a casing adapted to be positionedwith ari aperture in the wall thereof facing a target, a shapedexplosive charge mounted in said casing with its cavity facing saidaperture, abutment means carried by said initiating said and remotelycontrolled' 1s casing within said aperture and forming'with said charge,a gas-tight 'expansible chamber whereby in response to rise of pressurewithin said cham ber; a portion of said abutment means at leastisprojected exteriorly of the casing to engage the target and space saidcharge a predetermined distance therefrom, power means carried by saidcasing to pressurize said chamber, and means controllable remotely fromsaid casing to energize said power means. Y I r l.

JOSEPH H; CHURCH. GREGORY J. KESSENICH. v

References Cited in thefile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

